Okay, this is going to be last of these Secret Orkney releases I’m reviewing for a while. There’ve been many — too many — of these in recent years. A shitload has hit the market and while most of them are of a good quality, I’ve seen enough for now.
This particular release was bottled by Whiskybase to celebrate the 130.000th entry in their database. It matured in a hogshead and was distilled at Highland Park, obviously.
Secret Orkney 1998 21 Years (53.9%, Whiskybase, C#11)
Nose: Burnt citrus peel and a whiff of smoke with some floral honey and vanilla pods. Touches of sweet breakfast cereal too, as well the aroma of a damp meadow and burlap. A touch of wood glue as well. Rather delicious.
Taste: Somewhat viscous yet dry, with a touch of ashy smoke and embers. Slightly salty and briny as well. Almond paste, as well as ginger, pepper and cloves. A touch of lemon.
Finish: Lingering spices. Drying. Soft smoke.
Score: 87
Another one of those good, yet not great Orkney whiskies. It’s quality stuff, no doubt about it, I just can’t get really excited about it. To me it misses a certain je ne sais quoi.
Photo: Whiskybase
